Union News, Services and Events Update

DC 37 SAFETY AND HEALTH

Flu Season is Here!

Influenza (Flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The Flu is unpredictable and constantly changing and that is why there are new strains every year. People at risk for flu complications are young children, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing medical conditions and/or compromised immune systems. 

 DC 37 members can receive a FREE flu shot with your medical insurance card at in-network pharmacies and providers. Consider protecting yourself and your family today!

COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 cases are on the rise. The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. This will protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 this fall and winter, whether or not previously vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine.

 As COVID-19 variants continue to change, it is important to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which targets newer strains, as each vaccine's effectiveness decreases over time. 

Additionally, all U.S. households are eligible to order 4 FREE COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov. The COVID-19 tests detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year. Be sure to place your order today.

DC 37 MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES LEGAL SERVICES

Housing Advice for Tenants

MELS Attorneys are now available to answer your questions and provide advice about lease renewals, security deposits, repairs and services, harassment, rent overcharges, legal notices, one-shot deals, and other landlord-tenant matters. Call us at (212) 815-1111 to connect with an attorney and access your legal service benefit.

Citizenship Webinar

DC 37 MELS, in partnership with the 32BJ Legal Services Fund and CUNY’s Citizenship Now, presents Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen. In this webinar, you will learn: how and when to file for citizenship, requirements to file, preparation for the exam, and resources available to members. 

The seminar will be hosted in English with Spanish translation available. 
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024 at 6 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES HOUSING PROGRAM

First-Time Homebuyer Workshop

Are you thinking of buying your first home but don’t know where to begin? The DC 37 Municipal Employees Housing Program is pleased to offer a virtual First-Time Homebuyer Workshop. Allow us to assist you on your journey to homeownership as we discuss the mortgage process, pre-approvals, debt-to-income ratios, PMI, FHA loans, conventional loans, and much more! Bring your questions and we’ll provide the answers. We hope to see you there! 

Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. | Register HERE.
Saturday, Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. | Register HERE.

MCU Mortgage Webinar

In the market for a new place to call home? The DC 37 Municipal Employees Housing Program is proud to present the Municipal Credit Union (MCU) to answer your questions about mortgages and discuss which programs may be the right fit for you. Let MCU lending specialists guide you through flexible loan terms, competitive interest rates, and everything you need to get past your home-buying hurdles. You won’t want to miss this important webinar! 

Thursday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

PA Battleground Bus Trips

Help us talk to our union siblings in Philadelphia about the importance of supporting Kamala Harris in the 2024 Presidential Election. Transportation to and from DC 37’s Midtown office, light breakfast and hot lunch provided. Please note that this action will involve extended periods of standing and walking. 

 Saturday, Oct 5 and Oct 19 | Buses leaving from DC 37 Midtown Office (420 W. 45th St) @ 7 a.m.

Seats are limited. Click HERE to reserve your spot on the bus!

 

Labor for Harris Rally at Foley Square

Join DC 37 and our fellow unions in the NYC Central Labor Council as we rally in support of Kamala Harris for President!

Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. | Foley Square in Lower Manhattan

Click HERE to RSVP.

 Attend Political Action Committee Meetings

Join us for our monthly Political Action Committee Meetings to find out more about what’s happening in City Hall and Albany. Meetings take place on the second Thursday of each month via Zoom. 

Thursday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. | To register, click HERE.

2024 Voter Registration Deadlines

Are you and your family all set to participate in the 2024 elections? Elections for President, Congress, New York State Senate, and New York State Assembly are happening this year!

You may register to vote or update your voter registration HERE. 

 

 Support Your Union Political Action Fund!

In 2024 wealthy corporations and individuals will spend millions trying to diminish our union rights and benefits. It’s important that we support candidates who will fight against attempts to cut jobs and the advances we’ve fought hard for. By joining the PEOPLE Program, our DC 37 political action fund, we can get leaders in office who will fight for worker’s rights over corporate greed. PEOPLE contributions are used to do Get Out the Vote campaigns, lobbying around member issues, to directly support pro-workers candidates, and other important activities that we are restricted from using dues money to conduct. Become a PEOPLE contributor now by clicking HERE.

DC 37 EDUCATION FUND

You Can Still Apply for the Fall 2024 Semester!

The Education Fund is still accepting applications for courses starting this fall! For a list of current offerings, please visit our Classes and Benefits page by clicking HERE! Many classes fill up quickly so be sure to register today!

The DC 37 Green Jobs Training Program is Expanding!

The DC 37 Education Fund is happy to announce the Green Jobs Training Expansion Program, a grant-funded training program for eligible DC 37 members to receive free, hands-on instruction in areas of need within the green economy and energy sector. 

 Training courses include Energy Auditing, Multifamily and Commercial Building Analyst, Carbon Accounting, LEED Green Associate, Energy Benchmarking and Construction Management. These courses and more will prepare members for certifications and licenses offered and recognized by the Building Performance Institute, Urban Green Council and Association of Energy Engineers. 

If you are interested in more information on these courses and what this training can provide for you, please click HERE.

Computer Courses for DC 37 Members

The DC 37 Education Fund offers many different computer courses to meet the varied needs of members. Click on the class of interest below to learn more about the program and to register today!

Changes to Tuition Reimbursement Benefit

Beginning with classes, courses and workshops taken on or after Jan. 1, 2024, eligible DC 37 members can now be reimbursed up to $1,500 by the DC 37 Education Fund as long as the requirements for reimbursement are met. Additionally, tuition reimbursement applications can now be submitted completely online. 

For more information on the changes to the reimbursement benefit, please click HERE.

Education and Career Counseling

Do you need guidance on selecting a class from our offerings, updating a resume or need assistance reaching a career or educational goal? Contact an Ed Fund counselor HERE to schedule a virtual appointment.

CUNY Counseling Is Here For You

This is the ideal time to plan for enrollment at the CUNY college of your choice. Let Worker Education at the CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies (SLU) help guide you through the process of finding the best CUNY program to match your education and career goals. Expert advisors offer FREE one-on-one phone sessions on academic requirements for specific jobs; choosing a CUNY campus and major; applying to and financing a CUNY degree; certificate and non-credit options at CUNY; transferring previous credits, and more. Each session is free and caters to your specific goals and needs. To view the calendar and schedule your CUNY advisement session, click HERE. 

Can't find a date/time that works for you? Email: [email protected]

NON-PROFIT AND PRIVATE SECTOR

DC 37 Non-Profit and Private Sector Members represented by Locals 95, 205, 215, 253, and 389 are eligible for the following exciting education-related opportunities in 2024.

Workshops

  •  Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) 
    • Monday, Oct. 21 & Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 5-8 p.m.
    • Must attend BOTH sessions 
  • Violence Prevention and Intervention 
    • Monday, Oct. 28 from 6-8 p.m.
  • Social Media & Children’s Wellbeing
    • Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 6-8 p.m.
  • Infectious Diseases 
    • Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Continuing Teacher Leader Education (CTLE) 
    • Get to the Head of the CLASS - How to Improve Interactions with Your Students 
    • Thursday, Oct. 17 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. 

You can register for these workshops by clicking HERE.

Classes and Prep Courses

  • Assessment of Teacher Assistant Skills (ATAS)
    • Saturdays, Oct. 5 to Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
    • Total of 4 sessions to complete the course
  • Content Specialty Test (CST) - English Language Arts & Sciences
    • Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Oct. 8 to Oct. 29, 6-8 p.m. 
    • Total of 7 sessions to complete the course 
  • Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) Exam Prep
    • Thursdays, Oct. 10 to Oct. 24, 6-8 p.m. 
    • Total of 3 sessions to complete the course 
  • Content Specialty Test (CST) - Disabilities
    • Saturdays, Oct. 19 to Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 
    • Total of 5 sessions to complete the course 

You can register for these classes and more by clicking HERE.

Skills Upgrade

  • Basic Excel
    • Saturdays, Oct. 5, 19, 26 and Nov. 2
    • Total of 4 sessions 
    • Via Google Classroom, Students must have a desktop or laptop
    • To register, email [email protected].

Scholarship Opportunities

  • Education Incentive Program (EIP)
    • This scholarship is awarded based on income and gives up to $2,500 per year for college courses and  up to $1,250 for the CDA. This scholarship is available to classroom personnel only. 
  • AFSCME Family Scholarship
    • A renewable $2,000 scholarship (over the course of 4 years) awarded annually to graduating high school seniors of union members. Due Tuesday, Dec. 31

For more information about these programs, call (212) 341-4991 or email [email protected].

DC 37 HEALTH/DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Committee Meeting - Oct. 8

The Health/Disability Advisory Committee invites you to the next virtual meeting. We hope to see you there!

Oct. 8, 2024 at 6 p.m. | Join the meeting HERE

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)

Aches and pains? Getting connected with the world’s #1in
orthopedic care just got easier!

Scan this QR code or click HERE to add HSS Care Concierge right to your phone contacts.

Contact HSS Care Concierge for DC 37 when you have:

  • Back or joint pain
  • A sports or orthopedic injury
  • A need for physical therapy
  • A recommendation to consult an orthopedic or rheumatology specialist
  • A recommendation for orthopedic surgery and want a second opinion